07/10/2010

Setting Up Math Problem-Solving Notebooks

We do math problem solving in my kindergarten class everyday! I will probably write a lot about it this year, so stay tuned! So I thought I would start off showing how I set up my Problem-Solving Notebooks (some people call them math journals). I use a notebook so I can keep all of the kids' problem-solving together in one place. I find that when I use loose papers, they just end up stuffed in backpacks and crumpled on the bottom of backpacks. Besides, It's amazing to look through them and see the kids' growth over the course of a year!

So how, you ask, do parents know what we're doing in math? I send the journals home once or twice a quarter so parents can flip through them. I constantly communicate with my parents through e-mails, my classroom blog and even Twitter to let them know what we're doing and how they can reinforce what we're learning at home. And I use the journals during conferences to show parents evidence of how their child is performing in math.

So, where to start...

1. Choose your notebook. It's really up to your own personal preferences (and what's on your school supply list!) I prefer marble composition books, because those things can take a beating and never fall apart! Pages are sewn in, so they don't fall out. The cover is nice and sturdy. There are plenty of pages. (I do wish they came in a regular 8 1/2 x 11" size).

You can also use spirals, but I hate how the metal spiral parts can get all pulled out of shape and/or twisted together...and they're dangerous (ouch!) The covers rip and pages tear out easily.

You could also use blank copy paper in a 3-brad folder.

2. Label the notebooks. We use composition notebooks for everything in my room--science notebooks, writing journals, reading workshop notebooks--so I have to make each one unique somehow. This year, I was able to get different colors of notebooks at Walmart, 4/$1.00 (What a deal!). I use mailing labels to put the kids' names on their journals. I print out a full sheet for each kid at the beginning of the year and then pull one off anytime I need to label something with their name. Super easy! If you want this label, you can download the PDF here:

3. Put helpful information inside the front cover. I put a page that has numbers 1 through 20 (because although most kindergartners can count at the beginning of the year, many need a visual reminder of how to write the actual numbers). You can download this PDF here:

4. Glue in the Problem-Solving Notebook Expectations. I actually do this as a whole lesson with the kids. We go over each expectation. We learn how to find the next blank page (so the kids won't flip to the middle of their notebook to do a problem). We learn how to use the glue properly (both glue stick and bottle) to glue problems and activities in our notebooks. I continue to revisit these expectations throughout the year. You can download this PDF here:

5. Now you're all ready. Please remember that the first few daysweeks of problem solving might be a little ugly. Despite your best efforts, kids will still glue their pages together. They will still flip to the middle of the notebook to do a problem. Their drawing/fine-motor/writing skills are still developing, so the journals will be messy (messy...messy!) And I promise you at least a couple of kids will flip their journals completely upside down and start in the back--happens every year! But everyday, it gets a little better. You'll be amazed at how different their notebooks look in a month or two. Don't give up!

I am so HAPPY I found your website! I too teach kindergarten and love finding new and exciting ideas. The ideas and information you have provided is EXCELLENT! Have you published any books yet? I am so THANKFUL for teachers like you who share, share, and share your wonderful strategies and techniques! You sound like quite an AMAZING and DEDICATED teacher! Lucky to have you! Thank you!

I am so happy I found this website. I have been teaching Kindergarten for 23 years. I use the David books to discuss the rules. I love the puppet can't wait to use it. I also use math notebooks but love the idea of the labels. Thanks

Wow! I'll say you are a Guru in the kindergarten education fields This will be my first yr teaching kindergarten and I have all these fears. Thankfully your website has been helping me allay those fears. If permitted ill like to use some of your strategies. Thanks a million for your time and effort in putting thee wonderful ideas together and for sharing. hope I have your permission infusing your strategies in my new classroom . Remi

I am new to teaching kindergarten. Your site has been most helpful. I too want to know where you get your ideas for problem solving for the journal. There are no problem solving problems in our math books!

Hello,
I am a kindergarten teacher also. I think the imagery that is shown is so cool to present to my students. I thank you for sharing your ideas that benefit many of us to make our life easier in the classroom. Knowledge is power as the quote says.